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DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 


THE 


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IN 


LEBANON  VALLEY  COLLEGE. 


BY  REV.  E.  S.  CHAPMAN,  A.  M. 


Delivered  June   1 0,   1875. 


l/TJTr 


DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 


THE 


Baccalaureate  Sermon 


IN 


LEBANON  VALLEY  COLLEGE. 

Delivered  in  the  College  Chapel  on  the   lOth  of 
June,  A.  D.   1875. 

BY  REV.  E.  S.  CHAPMAN,  A.  M. 


PUBLISHED  BY  REQUEST  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  TRUSTEES. 


LEBANON,  PA.  : 
C.  M.  BOWMAN  a'^CO.,  PRINTERS 

1875' 


DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 


Prov.  3:6.    "  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him  and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths. ' ' 


No  subject  of  contemiilation  possesses  more  of  thrilling  interest  than 
the  future  of  a  liumau  life.  Tiiousli  veiled  in  that  darkness  vvhich 
covers  all  the  future,  its  vast  [)ossibilities,  its  certainties  and  un- 
certainties sometimes  rise  before  the  imagination  in  pictures  vivid  and 
impressive.  There  are,  with  all  of  us,  certain  periods  in  life  peculiarly 
calculated  to  awaken  in  the  mind  anxious  inquiry  respecting  the  future. 
To  such  a  period  have  you  arrived,  my  young  friends,  and  God  only 
knows  how  many  nnxious  inquiries  respecting  your  future  lives  even  novv 
are  taxing  the  mind  and  heart  of  tliose  you  love.  Into  that  dark  future, 
which  our  knowledge  can  not  enter,  the  imagination  peers  with  wistful 
eye,  and  with  fond  affection  traces  for  you  the  paths  which  buoyant  hope 
suggests.  As  exi)erience  casts  its  light  upon  the  picture  thus  drawn  in^ 
fancy,  many  ot  its  most  attractive  features  are  darkened  by  doubt,  and 
vague  uncertainty  flits  like  a  specter  o'er  the  scene.  A  world  of  anxious 
inquiries  arise  in  the  mind  respecting  your  future  career,  which  fanc3'  has 
vainly  sought  to  sketch.  What  will  your  future  be  ?  Will  it  be  peaceful 
or  tempestuous  ;  will  it  be  darkened  with  sorrows  or  radiant  with  joy  ; 
will  it  bring  a  realization  of  those  fond  hopes  which  now  warm  your  hearts 
and  nerve  your  arms,  or  will  disappointment  verify  those  anxious  fears 
which  ever  and  anon  arise  ;  will  it  be  a  success  or  a  failure  ;  a  blessing  or 
a  curse  ;  will  it  be  i)rotrncted  or  brief;  will  it  be  j)rematurely  closed  or 
will  a  v\\)Q  old  age  rejoice  m  the  treasures  of  a  life  well  spent  ?  How  will 
these  thing?  be  ?  Who  of  all  the  sous  of  men  can  tell  ?  Where  sliall  we 
look  for  an  answer  ?  If  v/e  consult  the  records  of  the  past  we  learn  that 
while  all  desire  to  make  of  life  a  success,  its  pages  are  burtbened  with  the 
stor}'  of  utter  failures.  Though  true  success  is  worthy  of  the  fondest 
desires  and  most  vigorous  efforts,  it  is  not  alone  b}'  fond  desires  and 
vigorous  efforts    that  such  a  result  is  reached.       Hence  failure,  is 


fitting  word  which  closes  the  record  of  many  an  earthly  life  of  liigh  as- 
piration and  persevering  industry. 

Yast  capabilities  and  rare  culture  do  not  furnish  a  certain  guaranty  of 
success,  but  often  display  the  woefulness  of  failure.  The  strongest  hu- 
man forecast,  the  keenest  insight  into  the  future,  cannot  determine,  with 
any  approximation  to  certainty,  the  ultimate  tendency  or  result  of  any 
effort.  The  most  wisely  laid  plans  of  life,  the  most  maturely  formed 
purposes,  very  seldom  reach  lealization  and  are  often  utterly  thwarted  by 
some  unseen  influence  or  hidden  hand  of  destiny.  The  day  whose  morn- 
ing was  bright  and  serene,  often  closes  in  deepest  darkness. 

"  We  feel  the  mighty  current  sweep  us  on, 
Yet  know  not  whither.    Man  lortells  afar 
Tlie  courses  of  the  stars  ;  the  very  hour 
He  knows  when  they  shall  darken  or  grow  bright, 
Yet  doth  the  eclipse  of  sorrow  an  I  ot  death 
Come  unforewarned." 

With  the  future  all  wrapped  in  utter  obscurity,  how  can  you  so  solve 
ihe  problem  of  life  as  to  determine  what  that  luture  shall  be  ? 

We  pause  for  an  answer,  and  human  knowledge,  judgment  and  desire 

"  Speak  not  a  word, 
But,  like  dumb  Statues  or  unbreathiujf  stones, 
Stare  each  on  other." 

And  wh}'^  ?  Because  full  well  they  know  how  powerless  they  are  to  lead 
to  any  certain  issue.  And  is  it  true,  that  with  all  your  yeais  of  ardent 
.toil,  equipped  with  learning  and  decked  with  laurels  of  collegiate  honors, 
you  must  now  meet  life's  battle  in  utter  ignorance  of  what  the  result  will 
be  ?  It  'IS  true  indeed.  And  will  no  kind  hand  lift  the  curtain  that 
conceals  the  future,  that  your  paths  of  life  may  be  so  chosen  as  to  secure 
for  you  the  ends  desired  ?  No,  no.  It  ma3''  not,  can  not  be.  And  is  the 
picture  sad  ?  Do  you  shrink  from  the  contemplation  of  yourselves  walk- 
ing the  paths  of  life  thus  blind  and  ignorant  ?  As  I  love  you  and  hope 
for  your  highest  interests,  my  heart  would  sink  in  sadness  as  I  state  these 
truths,  but  for  the  unshaken  confidence  and  unfaltering  and  unquestioning 
faith  with  which  I  point  you  to  your  better  portion.  As  a  perfect  guar- 
anty of  every  desirable  result,  I  bring  to  you  to-day  the  solemn  admo- 
nition and  gracious  promise  of  divine  revelation.  "  In  all  thy  ways 
acknowledge  Him  and  H3  shall  direct  thy  paths." 

In  these  words,  all  radiant  with  the  light  of  divine  love,  may  you  find 
a  practical  solution  of  the  vexed  problem  of  life  It  is  the  divine  claim, 
and  the  divine  promise  which  here  appear  No  tremor  of  uncertainty, 
no  halting  of  doubt  mai'ks  the    movements   of  the    voice    which   is    here 


lu'iinl      This  is  the  solemn  asseveration  of  the  Lord  God   Almighty,    and'-'H^ 
wt'iiihty  words  does  He  speak. 

The  extent  of  the  divine  elaim  appears  as  covering-  all  our  rightful  pos- 
sibilities. In  thought,  and  plan,  and  effort,  in  faith,  and  prayer,  and  prac- 
tice, God  and  His  glory  must  be  supreme.  And  God  as  He  is,  God  as 
He  has  revealed  Himself — watchful,  loving,  sympathizing — must  our 
failh  embrace  and  our  ev«>ry  power  and  effort  acknowledge.  "No  God  of 
icy  theories  and  heahless  speculations  should  we  place  upon  the  throne. 
In  His  own  true  character  must  He  be  acknowledged,  or  our  assumed  ac- 
kiiowk'd'jraent  becomes  positive  denial. 

Such  an  acknowledgment  embraces  complete  cheerful  obedience  to  His 
every  call  Such  is  the  elaim  which  He  presents,  and  any  failure  to  oljey 
in  fuli  involves  denial  of    His  claim,  and  hence  of   Him. 

No  measur<'(l  or  ]iartial  obedience,  therefore,  can  fill  the  requirements 
here  made.  And  not  arbitrary  or  irksome  are  the  duties  thus  enjoined,  for 
did  not  the  beloved  disciple  say,  "  His  commands  are  not  grievous?"  Did 
not  the  sweet  singer  exclaim,  "  Oh,  how  love  T  Thy  law,"  and  did  he  not 
also  declare  of  the  man  who  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly, 
that  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  ? 

There  is  here  also  displayed  the  extent  of  the  human  privileges.  Ev- 
ei-y  act  may  be  an  acknowledgment  of  God,  every  duty  a  religious  duty. 
No  mischievous  separation,  by  wide  distinctions,  of  duties  into  secular  and 
ndigious,  is  here  allowed,  but  in  all  alike  must  there  be  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  Ood.  Such  is  the  compass  of  the  divine  claim  ;  such  is  the  ex- 
tent of  human  privilege's.  Not  alone  in  the  sanctuary  or  the  closet  shmild 
we  engage  in  divine  service  ;  in  all  the  duties  of  life,  in  securing  an  educa- 
ton,  in  choosing  a  profession  and  in  selecting  social  or  l)osom  companions, 
should  the  divine  claim  be  recognized,  and  the  divine  guidance  invoked. 

Thus  far  our  theme  lias  been  circumscribed  to  the  sphere  of  human 
eM<leavoi-.  We  are  now  raise<l  to  the  realm  of  divine  favor.  An  unseen 
power  IS  proclaimed  and  an  unseen  hand  is  extended.  In  the  darkness  of 
the  future  no  light  is  seen,  but  better  tiian  light  or  knowledge  to  us  is  the 
guaranty  of  divine  direction.  The  divine  mandates  cover  only  the  range 
of  human  ability,  but  ultimate  results  reach  far  beyonci.  Hence  to  meet 
tiie  immeasurable  wants  thus  arising,  tiie  finite  is  merged  into  the  infinite, 
and  moves  in  the  orbit  of  its  highest  interests  and  grandest  achievements 
witli  unileviating  certainty  and  success. 

Li  the  clear  tones  of   divine  authorit}-  is  proclaimed  the    sacred    duty 
''  In  all  thy  ways  f.cknowledge  Him,"  l»ut  in  the  deep  rich  tones  of  infinite 
lovi-  and  mercy  do   we    hear  the  promise — '"He  shall  direct   thy  paths." 


1^ 

J)    Kicli  in  promises  akin  to    this    are    all    tlu'    pao-fs    of 

' 

divine    revel  i lion,     i 

Pstilms  xxxvii  :  23,  2  4, '^  Tlie    steus  of   a   goud    man 

are  ijrdered  l)y  the    j 

Lord,  atiil  lie  delighls  in  iiis  way.     Tho'  he  fad  he    sii; 

U    not    he    utterly     { 

cast  down,  for  the  Lord    upholdetJi    hiiu  with  Ids    ham 

1.      The  law  of    his     | 

God  is  in  Ids  iiearl,  n(jne  of  his  steps  sh:dl  slide." 

Proverbs  xvi  :  9,""A  man's  hearcdevisetli  Ins  way,  but  the  Lord  directeth 
his  steps." 

Li  those  beautiful  Ji>etai)hors  with  which  his  writinLi'S  so  abound,  the 
prophet  Isaiah  presenisthe  divine  pronuse,  58  :  H,  "  The  Lord  shall  <(uide 
thee  continually,  and  satisfy  thy  soul  in  drou-iht,  and  make  fat  thy  bones, 
and  thou  shalt  be  like  a  watered  garden,  and  like  a  spring  of  water  whose 
waiers  fail  not."  Oomprehendinn-  ad  cduditions  and  eoveriny  all  periods 
of  life  is  the  guaranty  recorded  by  the  Psalmist,  48  :  14,  "  He  will  be 
our  guide  even  unto  death."  In  view  of  the  ignorance  and  indiscretion  so 
distinguished  in  man,  the  projihet  of  the  Lord  is  permitted  to  say,  Ls. 
28:  26,  "  His  God  doth  instruct  him  to  discretion  and  teach  him  " 

It  is  a  significant  fact  that  while  the  directing  influence  of  tlie  inli- 
nitc  mind  is  here  most  positively  vouchsalcd,  iIh;  means  or  mannei-  ot 
that  direction  is  not  even  hinted  at.  It  is  obviously  here  implied  that 
our  acts  in  life  and  their  res'dts,  together  with  the  great  world  of  events 
over  which  we  have  no  control,  shall  l)e  so  ord'/red  as  to  result  in  our 
greatest  good.  We  are  not  howevc^r  to  hope  for  the  divine  interposition 
to  arrest  the  results  of  any  willful  violation  of  our  relation  to  the  uni- 
verse. We  are  provid(,'d  with  faculties  by  which  we  may  learn  our  true 
relation  to  the  universe,  and  we  cannot  iully  acknowdedge  God  without  the 
exercise  of  those  faculties.  But  the  bliiuiness  and  ignorance  by  which 
we  are  oppres.sed,  call  for  more  than  is  found  within  tiie  compass  of  hu- 
man knowdedge  and  power,  and  it  is  tliis  which  is  secured  in  the  divine 
])romise.  Tliese  flittering  gems  of  sacred  truth  constilute  a  basis  for 
our  hopes  as  immutable  and  impeiishaljle  as  the  throne  of  Oinuipotence. 

It  is  the  province  of  faith  to  accept,  with  gratitude,  the  surety-thus  af- 
forded, without  reasons  or  inquiry,  but  if  into  the  (ield  thus  opened  wi; 
press  our  most  critical  investigations,  we  shall  lind  the  hnindatious*  for 
our  confidence  noi^  less  secure  in  reason  than  in  revelation.  To  no  one 
of  the  many  sources  of  human  effort  is  the  divine  S|)irit  liiidt  d  in  its 
directing  inlluence  The  entire  '-ange  is  grasped  in  the  infinil,e  mind  and 
subject  to  divine  control.  Upon  all  the  springs  of  human  conduct  the 
f^pirit  of  God  may  move,  and  by  agencies  unseen  and  influences  unknown 
the  path  of   obedience  may  be  constituted  the  path  of  safety    and    success. 


The  very  act  of  pdinonilion  hero  presented  will  of  itself  become  a  di- 
recting-auencr  to  those  who  in  all  t^ieir  ways  acknowledge  Ilini.  Such  aa 
acknowledg-nient  eniuraces  an  adjustment  of  our  relations  to  both  the  ma- 
terial and  spiritual  world,  of  measureless  value  in  its  iiiQueucc  upon  our 
destiny.  Au  illustration  drawn  from  the  lessons  of  science  may  serve  to 
dis])],:}'  this  truth.  There  are  two  forces,  the  centrifugal  and  centripetal, 
in  perpetual  and  uniform  o|)eration  in  the  great  s^'stem  of  worlds. 

UiKju  the  unvarying  vigor  aad  action  of  these  two  forces  depend  all 
the  advantages  of  tiie  system.  Either  without  the  other  would  work  ut- 
ter ruin.  By  the  \ig()rous  and  uniform  action  of  both  the  vast  system, 
moved  by  the  power  of  its  centrifugal  force,  dashes  away  through  the 
depths  of  spac(!  with  a  velocity  Which  seems  to  portend  immediate  and  ut- 
ter destruction,  yet  held  by  centripetal  power,  and  without  tlie  least  vari- 
ation, within  its  uwn  orbit,  and  to  the  accomplishment  of  its  (nvu  grand 
missiiM). 

Xot  e  itirely  unbke  these  forces  in  nature,  are  those  influences  which 
opeiate  in  the  realm  of  accountable  beings.  Instinct  with  activity  are  all 
the  children  of  men.  In  body,  mind  and  heart  there  is  a  perpetual  ten- 
dency to  action.'  Herein  is  the  force  corresponding  to  the  centrifugal  force 
in  nature.  Prompted  by  this  native  activity,  man  pluttges  into  schemes 
and  efl'urts  of  every  conceivaI)le  character,  and  is  involved  in  turmoils  and 
contentions  not  unlike  the  wild  chaos  which  would  be  seen  in  the  planetary 
World  if  only  centrifugal  force  were  in  operation.  But  for  man  there  is 
provided  a  remedy  for  i.ll  these  ills.  As  the  planets  are  held  in  tlieir  orbits 
by  the  centripetal  force  of  attriiction  to  the  sun,  and  pojarring  or  collision 
occurs,  so  may  man  be  held  in  his  proper  orbit  by  the  power  of  loving  obe- 
dience to  he  divine  mandates,  and  may  ever  revolve  around  the  I)right 
Sun  of  Righf-ousness,  in  perpetual  peace  and  holy  joy.  His  affectionate 
obedience  to  the  diviiK!  will,  gives  direction  to  his  efforts,  and  hence,  as  is 
declared  by  the  wise  man.  Proverbs  11  :  5,  "  The  righteousness  of  the  perfect 
shall    direct  his  way." 

Herein  would  be  found  an  unfailing  panacea  for  every  earthly  ill,  if 
liumun  Unijwledge  of  duty  vvas  i)erfect,  and  all  men  would  obey  tlie  diviae 
la>v.  In  so  fir  as  iucn  m  knowledge  grasps  the  divine  law,  and  tlie  human 
heart  will  yield  obudienye  to  its  chiiras,  there  will  be  that  direction  of 
lii.^5  paths  of  which  we  are  speaking.  But  human  knowledge  is  limited  and 
the  world  is  lull  <.>f  wickedness.  Beyoml  our  control  are  influences  in 
[lerpetuiil  activity  and  iuimic;d  to  our  highest  interests. 

To  meet  the  wants  thus  arising,  the  hand  of   Omnipotence    is    extended 


a,,f}  its  aid  kindly  proffered.  Replete  with  precions  assurances  are  those 
o-enis  of  sacred  truth,  ia  which  that  aid  is  tendered.  Cova'riiig'  the  eutire 
rana'e  of  causes  which  war  aaainst  our  interests,  these  precious  jiromises 
guaranty  to  us  the  direct  interposition  of  God  to  uive  to  our  cft'.irts  tlie 
ri^ht  direction,  and  control  or  overrule,  as  may  be  best,  every  event  or 
effort  inimical  to  our  welfare    and   success. 

In  all  this  there  is  nothing  in  conflict  with  the  teachings  of  science  or 
the  deductions  of  sound  reason.  True  there  are  within  the  range  of  hu- 
raen  knowledge,  fixed  and  injuiutable  laws,  but  the  divine  interposition  in 
human  affairs  involves  no  conflict  with  tiio.se  laws  or  their  uniform  opera- 
tions. Through  the  ordinary  operations  of  natural  causes,  the  divine  di- 
rection mav  be  bestowed.  For  instance,  human  eifjrt,  in  the  main,  is  in 
accordance  with  the  promptii^gs  of  desire  or  inclination.  In  the  ordinary 
current  of  events,  incentives  arise  which  awaken  the  desires  leading  to 
endeavor 

These  events  mav  arise  from  the  operations  of  fi.xed  law  in  ibe  ma- 
terial world, or  they  may  lie  withiii  the  realm  of  free  will,  lint  all  ihese  regions 
are  alike  under  the  Infinite  eye  and  sultjcct  to  His  ciMitrol.  In  the  renlm  of 
material  things  many  causes  of  human  choice  may  ari.se;  heat  and  cold, 
storm  and  calm,  light  and  darkness,  may  become  the  determining  cause  of 
human  effort  and  may  seem  to  determine  with  heartless  seve\  ity  the 
destiny  of  mortals.  A  severe  t-torm  delayed  a  train  by  which,  in  some 
way,  our  entire  future  life  was  determined.  It  may  be  that  while  thus  de- 
layed an  acquaintance  was  formed  which  resulted  in  vast  consequences  to 
us,  and  in  a  limitless  number  of  ways  may  momentous  interests  be  in- 
volved in  what  niay  si'em  the  invariable!   workings  of   invariable   forces. 

Here  there  may  seem  to  be  no  sphere  for  divine  interposition  These 
operations  of  nature  are  fixed  for  all  time  and  can  not  be  interfered  with- 
it  is  vain  to  think  t)f  divine  direction  so  long  as  our  efforts  in  life  and 
their  results  are  so  intimately  connected  with  these  operations  of  invariable 
natural  law.  But  it  is  not  wise  to  overlook  the  fact  that  even  in  the  ope- 
rations of  nature  the  line  of  causation  is  to  but  a  limited  extent  known  to 
us.  From  the  meager  glimpses  which  we  have  gained,  shall  we  attempt 
to  decide  what  God  can  and  what  he  can  not  do,  while  away  back  in  the 
unknowable,  into  the  depths  of  infiaity,  extend  the  lines  of  causation  in 
every  movement  of  nature  or  free  will  ?  How  dare  we  leave  (Jod,  or  his 
direct  and  immediate  agency,  out  of  the  heat  or  the  cold  or  any  physical 
condition  or  movement,  when  such  a  mere  glimpse  only  is  given  us  of  the 
the  causes  of   anv  results?      But  the  influence  which  these  material  condi- 


tious  and  operations  may  have  in  determining  our  destiny  depends  largely, 
if  not  entirely,  upon  the  relationship  which  sve  may  sustain  to  them,  and 
that  lelationship  may  arise  from  considerations  of  a  purely  intellectual  or 
spiritual  character.  A  thought  springing  up  in  the  mind  tinds  expression 
in  a  word  or  act,  Ity  which  is  begun  a  line  ()f  causes,  whose  importance, 
ever  widening  and  extending,  exhausts  compulation.  But  whence  aro.^e 
that  thought?  Can  science  discover  its  source,  or  reason  point  out  its 
origin  ?  In  its  results  we  discover  the  blending  of  the  material  and  imma- 
terial, the  intermingling  of  mental  action  with  physical  phenomena,  but  of 
oiigin  we  know  only  that  it  arose  an  thoughts  are  continually  aris  ng, 
frou!  the  mysterious  depths  of  the  human  intellect.  It  is  not  inconsistent 
with  reason  to  claim  that  the  divine  Spirit  approaches  especially  near  to 
us,  and  holds  intimate  communion  with  us,  in  this  realm  of  intellectual 
exercise.  We  may  not  be  able  to  determine  to  our  entire  satisfaction  the 
precise  modus  ope/ audi  by  which  the  divine  Spirit  touches  and  influences 
human  thnught  and  inclination,  and  still  leaves  intact  man's  freedom  of 
choice.  To  our  feeble  vision  there  may  here  appear,  if  not  a  paradox,  at 
least  a  myster}^.  But  what  field  of  thought  opens  before  us,  into  which 
we  may  not  plunge  far  beyond  the  soundings  of  our  deepest  sea  lines  ? 
Human  thought  and  desire  are  in  themselves  unfathomable  my.-teries,  and 
their  subjection  to  the  immediate  and  perpetual  influence  of  the  divine 
Spirit  neither  increases  nor  diminishes  the  depth  of  their  mystery.  Not 
less  impressive  and  mysteiious  is  the  fact  of  mutual  human  influence, 
which,  though  instiu(;t  with  power,  crosses  not  the  threshold  of  conscious 
freedom  of  choice. 

Within  this  realm  of  thought  may  the  divine  s^jirit  exercise  its  direct- 
ing influence.  Here  may  there  be  suggested  or  prompted  by  the  spirit  of 
God,  those  views  of  duty,  those  conceptions  of  truth  by  which  our  _eft'ort9 
in  life  are  determined.  Thus  may  we  walk  in  the  paths  of  our  own 
chojsing,  while  the  choice  we  make  is  prompted  by  the  divine  Spirit.  To 
what  extent  the  divine  guidance  may  be  given  through  the  influence  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  mind  and  heart,  we  may  not  be  able  fully  to  de- 
termine, but  of  this  we.  may  be  sure,  the  views  of  duty  and  the  promptings 
of  the  heart  when  we  are  living  near  the  Lord  will  constitute  a  means  of 
guidance,    if  not  infallible,  at  least  of  great  value. 

But  beyond  all  that  has  thus  far  occupied  ouratteution,  there  is  a  work  of 
still  greater  importance.  Xot  only  must  the  inclinations  of  our  hearts  be 
such  as  to  prompt  to  wise  endeavor,  but  tht.  outside  world  of  conflicting 
causes  and  agencies,  must  be  made  subservient  to  our  interests.  The  ])lot- 
tings  and  efforts   of  wicked   men,    the    intoward    concurrence    of    ci 


lO 

ices,  the  bidden  band  of  destruction  are  all  arrayed  against  us.  But  in 
all  tbe  realm  of  causation  reigns  tbe  Infinite  Mind.  In  the  midst  of  all 
these  conflicting  forces,  God  moves  in  majesty  and  without  molestation. 
Back  of  all  phenomena  he  acts  upon  all  tbe  lines  of  causation.  Within 
the  realm  of  free  will  he  grants  volition.  If  here,  in  the  exercise  of  this 
volition,  God  be  our  choice,  the  finite  is  merged  into  the  infinite,  the 
divine  will  becomes  our  will,  and  thus,  lost  to  self  and  swallowed  up  in  God, 
we  shall  walk  the  paths  of  life  without  the  possibility  of  failure  or  loss. 
As  well  may  tbe  forces  of  nature  seek  to  destroy  God  or  defeat  his  pur- 
poses as  to  compass  tbe  ruin  of  him  who  in  all  his  Avays  acknowledges 
God.  Like  one  of  old,  be  "  vvalks  with  God,"  and  hence  in  tbe  paths  of 
his  highest  interests. 

In  the  dark  days  of  the  war,  at  a  time  of  great  interest  and  upon  an 
occasion  of  much  importance,  I  heard  a  distinguished  American  statesman, 
while  speaking  of  the  anxious  fears  of  his  friends,  lest  some  blunder  of 
bis  should  secure  defeat,  with  much  earnestness  and  emotion  say:  "Fellow 
citizens,  the  man  who  steadfastly  fixes  his  eye  upon  the  pole  star  of  jus 
tice,  can't  make  a  blunder  !" 

How  true  is  this  of  the  man  who  "  walks  with  God  !" 

By  this  it  is  not  meant  that  he  sliall  not  in  any  case  fall,  but  "  if  be  fall,  he 
shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down,  for  the  Lord  upholdeth  him  with  his  hatid." 
ISTor  would  we  claim  that  he  ?hall  never  err  in  jud^-ment  respecting  duty 
for  tho'  "  a  man's  heart  deviseth  bis  ways,  yet  the  Lord  directs  his  steps." 
Neither  can  he  rest  in  certainty  of  havino:  no  enemies  to  his  interests, 
but,  "If  a  man's  ways  please  the  I^ord,  be  maketh  even  bis  enemies  to  be 
at  peace  with  him." — (Prov.  xvi  :  7.) 

The  paths  in  which  we  are  led,  may  not  be  such  as  seem  to  us  desirable 
or  of  good  promise.  A  shorter,  but  not  a  safer  path  to  our  land  of  prom- 
ise may  lie  through  the  land  of  the  Philistine,  yet  by  the  way  of  the  Bed 
Sea  and  the  Desert  we  may  be  led. 

A  traveler,  bearing  great  treasures,  was  led  by  his  guide  out  of  the  fre- 
quented path  in  the  valley  and  -^ver  rough  and  winding  ways  upon  the 
mountain  side.  When  at  length,  weary  and  indignant,  he  remonstrated 
with  his  guide,  and  reproached  bim  for  his  infidelity,  with  calmness  he 
pointed  out  to  him  the  camp  fires  of  the  enemy  in  the  valley  below,  whose 
murderous  assaults  they  had  escaped  by  following  the  rugged  path  upon 
the  mountain  brow.  A  mother  kneeled  with  bleeding  heart  by  the  cold 
icy  form  of  her  first  born  Bitter  was  her  anguish,  and  unreconciled  was 
her  heart      Tho'  not  in  words,  yet  in  heart,  she    reproached    God    for    his 


11  '^^ 

severe  judgment?.  At  length,  weary  with  her  weeping,  she  slept  a 
dreamy  sleep.  Again  her  babe  was  in  her  arms  as  beautiful  and  lovely  as 
before.  Rapidly  the  years  rolled  on,  and,  as  in  panorama,  she  saw  his 
downvvard  tending  course.  Step  after  step  she  saw  him  take  down  the 
steep  descent  of  vice,  until  at  length,  blear-eyed  and  bloated,  he  made  his 
last  fatal  plunge  into  crime,  for  which  he  paid  the  forfeit  of  his  wretched 
life.  Shriekinj?  witii  the  agony  of  her  heart  she  awoke  from  sleep.  It  was  a 
vision  in  mercy  given  to  display  the  mercy  of  the  smiting  hand.  "U^'ith 
tears  of  joy  she  clasped  the  cold  form  to  her  breast  and  through  her  tears 
of  gratitude  looked  up  to  heaven  and  by  faith  saw  the  true  picture — her 
lovely  babe,  more  beautiful  than  ever,  clad  in  the  garments  of  heaven  and 
safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus. 

The  ways  of  Providence  have  always  been  mysterious,  but  to  those 
who  acknowledge  God  they  have  been  the  ways  of  joy  and  peace.  We 
do  not  always  recognize  the  divine  hand  of  love  and  mercy,  but  it  is  because 
of  our  blindness  and  lack  of  faith.  Mary  wept  bitter  tears  in  the  gar- 
den even  while  Jesus  stood  and  talked  with  her,  but  her  grief  was  be- 
cause ''she  kiieiD  not  that  it  was  Jesus.''^  So  often  do  we.  But  even  in  the 
fiercest  storm  which  comes  down  upon  life's  sea,  even  in  the  darkest, 
wildest  night  of  sorrow,  if  we  will  quiet  tiie  tumult  of  our  fears,  and 
listen,  in  spite  of  the  fiercest  dashings  of  the  crested  billows,  and  the 
loudest  bowlings  of  the  storm,  we  may  beat  the  loving  voice  of  Jesus 
saying,  "  It  is  I,  be  not  afraid.'^ 

When  our  plans  of  life  seem  all  subverted  and  our  hopes  forever  crush- 
ed, if  we  turn  to  the  chart  of  life  like  some  bewildered  traveler,  we  may 
read,  (Is.  xxiv  :  16)  "  And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they 
knew  not,  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  that  they  have  not  known,  I  will  make 
darkness  light  before  them  and  crooked  things  straight.  These  things 
will  I  do  unto  them,  and  not  forsake  them.'' 

Here,  ray  young  friends,  is  the  ricliest  heritage  of  earth — the  assurance 
of  divine  direction.  All  tlie  vvealtli  of  learning  can  not  be  compared  to 
tliis  ;  all  the  treasures  of  the  deep  are  not  worthy  to  be  mentioned  in 
connection  with  it.  Every  view  which  we  take  of  ourselves  displays  the 
value  of  such  a  blessing.  To  a  young  person,  just  entering  the  busy 
contests  of  life,  what  can  compare  in  value  with  an  unfailing  guide. 

Our  utter  ignorance  of  the  future  proclaims  our  need  of  such  a  guide. 
Nothing  can  exceed  our  blindness  as  to  what  is  before  us.  Is.  lix : 
9,"  We  wait  for  light,  but  behold  obscurity;  for  brightness,  but  we  walk 
in  darkness.     We  grope  for  the  A'ulk  like  the  blind,  and   we   grope    as    if 


12 

we  had  no  eyes  ;   we  stumble   as  in  the  iiiyht,  we  are  in  des(,late  places  as 
dead  men." 

Even  tht'se  vigoivjus  words  of  tlie  prophet  fail  to  expixss  tlie  lull  ex- 
tcMit  of  our  ignorance  and  blindness. 

Not  less  impressive  is  our  defectiveness  of  judgment  resi)ecting  that 
which  is  wisest  and  best.  Hv)vv  clearl}'  is  this  displayed  in  all  the  expe- 
rience of  life.  Tliat  which  ap|)ears  to  ns  wise  s^nd  prudent  often 
proves  to  !)■■  tln^  height  of  foli\'.  To  the.-e  characteristics  of  our  nature 
may  be  added  the  unreliability  of  our  inclinations.  What  our  natural 
hearts  prompt  us  to  do  is  often  that  which  tends  to  our  ruin. 

Thus,  ignorant  of  the  future,  defective  in  judgmi-nt,  and  beset  by  dan- 
gerous desires,  with  what  plaintive  pleadings  do  the  gieat  interests  of 
our  lives  call  for  a  guiiling  hand.  Witiiont  it,  how  prone  are  we  lO  grasp 
with  eager  greed  the  luring  pleasures  of  the  hour,  and  listen  to  the  songs 
of  sii'ens  which  compass  our  destruction.  Without  it,  though  blessed 
with  strongest  forecast,  we  know  not  what  we  want,  and  seek  not  what 
v\e  need. 

A  mothtr,  I  knew  her  well  and  loved  her  truly,  sought  and  secur.d  with 
joyful  heart  her  son's  escape  from  the  military  draft  of  our  late  war. 
With  real  joy  she  di^clared  it  to  be  just  what  she  wanted  and  most  needed. 
He  could  now  be  with  her  and  engage  with  confidence  in  his  labors.  He 
too  was  glad,  and  with  light  heart  entered  the  forests  to  fell  the  trees  for 
the  lumber  of  merchandise,  Imt  when  the  first  huge  walnut,  severed  at 
its  base  came  crashing  down,  it  entrapped  him  beneath  its  trunk  and 
buried  him  out  of  sight.  The  mother  now  regretted  her  course  and  wish- 
ed him  in  the  army.  She  sccur(;d  what  she  sought,  but  it  proved  a  snare 
and  Source  of  sin'row.  This  is  a  representative  case,  coming  under  my 
own  observation,  and  displaying  our  ignorance  of  what  is  wisest  and 
best.  Well  may  the  wise  man  say,  (Prov.  xx  :  24.)  "  Man's  goings  are 
of  the  Lord,  how  can  a  man  then  understand  bis  own  way?" 

The  value  to  us  of  this  guiding  hand  appears  frinn  the  further  consider- 
ation that  while  under  the  divine  direction,  we  have  the  pledge  of  the  di- 
vine protection.  The  path  in  which  we  are  led  will  be  the  path  of  safety. 
The  advantage  of  that  proection  appears  when  we  consider  the  dangers 
with  which  we  are  environed  at  every  step  of  life.  Evils  of  every  spe- 
cies beset  us  on  every  hand,  and  press  upon  us  with  a  degree  of  vigor, 
which  we  are  utterly  powerless  to  resist.  They  assail  our  bodies  and 
prey  upon  our  minds,  the}'  clamor  for  our  blood,  and  watch  with  sleepless 
eye  to  secure  the  ruin  of  our  souls.     Men  and  beasts,  the  elements  of  ua- 


13 

ture  and  evil  spii'iis,  are    marshaled  in  this    hostile    army.     Envy,    hatred 
and  fiendish  malevolence  fire  their  zeal  and  direct  their  blows. 

Insinuation,  slander  and  seduction  are  some  of  tlieir  methods  of  attack. 
As  the  Hebrews  crossed  the  Jordan  while  its  waters  rose  high  "  upon 
a  heap  "  by  their  side,  pressing  against  the  restraining  hand  and  eager  to 
engulf  them  in  ruin,  so  do  we  walk  the  paths  of  life  with  foes  to  our 
welfare  pressing  with  eease'.ess  energy  aguinst  the  restraining  hand  of 
God  which  guards  us  round  about. 

But  that  hand  of  protection  covers  only  the  path  of  duty.  Beyond 
that  narrow  way,  thus  f(;rever  made  secure,  no  guaranty  of  protection 
extends. 

It  requires  not  th?  smiting  hand  of  divine  wrath  to  prove  to  us  that 
"  the  way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard,"  for  when  in  the  path  of  disobe- 
dience the  enemies  to  our  interests  may  have  unrestrained  liberties  with 
us,  and  no  i)r()mise  of  heaven  may  be  pleaded  in  our  defence.  Oh  it  is  a 
fearful  picture,  but  a  true  one.  A  helpless  child,  unsheltered  from  the 
fiercest  hail  storm,  does  not  so  call  for  pity  as  the  servant  of  sin,  unpro- 
tected  by  Crod. 

But  the  picture  fo  this  wide  contrast  is  not  yet  complete.  To 
display  the  dangers  of  disobedience  more  fully,  let  us  remember 
that  all  those  divine  influences  which  aflford  protection  to  the  obedient, 
are  anangcd  against  those  who  are  in  the  paths  of  transgression.  The 
gravity  of  tiiis  truth  calls  for  its  careful  consideration.  Let  us  present  it 
utjder  a  similitude. 

The  church  of  God  is  like  a  city  well  fortified.  Upon  the  heights 
which  surround  are  planted  the  batteries  of  God's  protection.  His  jus- 
tice, His  truth.  His  holiness,  and  all  the  attributes  of  His  nature,  are 
engaged  to  protect  his  people  from  every  harmful  influence.  With 
ceaseltss  activity  these  batteries  i)Our  forth  their  resistless  tide  of  provi- 
dences and  judgments,  smiting  with  confusion  and  dooming  to  destruction 
every  invading  foe.  Thus  guarded  upon  every  point,  the  security  of 
God's  people  is  complete.  In  the  inspiring  consciousness  of  their  safety 
they  may  a[)pioi)riate  the  words  of  Israel's  sweet  singer  : 

''  He  that  dwelleth  in  ihe  secret  place  of  the  Most  H'gh,  shall  abide 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty.  I  will  say  of  the  Lord  he  is  my 
refuge  and  fortress  ;  my  God,  in  Him  will  I  trust.  Surely  He  shall  de- 
liver thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler  and  from    the  noisome    pestilence. 

He  shall  cover  thee  with  his  feathers  and  under  his  wings  shalt  thou 
trusi ;  his  truth  shall  be  thy  shield  and  buckler.  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid 
for  the  terror  by  ui^ht,  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth   bv    dav,  nor   for  the 

^1 


14 

nee  that  walketb  in  darkness,  nor  for    the    destruction    tliat   wasteth 
at  noon  day." 

All  the  vast  range  of  metaphor  which  is  embraced  in  this  91st  Psalm, 
to  declare  the  security  of  God's  obedient  children,  may  we  adopt  as  ap- 
plied to  ourselves,  while  we  are  wiihin  this  fortification  whose  ever  active 
agencies  accord  us  their  protection,  but  the  moment  we  step  without  its 
boundary,  the  moment  we  pass  the  boundary  of  duty,  we  place  ourselves 
within  the  range  of  those  fierce  judgments  of  God,  which  were  designed 
for  our  protection,  and  we  are  smitten  down  by  the  blow  given  by  mercy 
for  our  safety  and  defence. 

It  is  not  a  picture  but  a  reality,  and  if  we  fall  and  fail  it  will  not  be  be- 
cause the  means  for  our  defence  are  imperfect,  either  in  plan  or  operation,' 
but  Ijecause  in  the  exercise  of  our  own  volition  we  passed  beyond  the 
bounds  of  our  privileges  and  fell  under  the  weight  of  the  blow  which 
was  struck  in  our  defence. 

But  the  field  of  thought  widens  and  extends  as  we  advance.  At  every 
step  new  features  of  the  divide  guaranty  appear.  All  nature  is  placed  in 
vassalage  to  the  Infinite  mind  that  man's  direction  and  safety  may  be  com- 
plete. The  agencies  employed  may  seem  remote  from  the  result  to  be 
reached,  but  will  at  length  appear  as  fitting  parts  of  a  most  harmonious 
whole. 

Haman  may  plot  destruction,  and  Mordica  may  be  placed  in  jeopardy, 
but  the  sleepless  night  of  Ahasuerus  is  made  to  serve  the  divire  purpose, 
and  "  The  righteous  is  delivered  out  of  trouble,  and  the  wicked  cometh  in 
bis  stead."  (Prov.  xi :  8.) 

The  angel  of  destruction  may  pass  to  and  fro  through  the  land,  charged 
with  the  elements  of  death,  and  in  every  Egyptian  house  tli"re  may  be 
heard  the  wail  of  anguish,  but  no  shadow  or  sorrow  crosses  the  threshold 
where  the  blood-sprinkled  door-posts  proclaim  obedience. 

When  the  fire-fiend  dashed  through  the  pine  forests  of  Wisconsin,  and 
fell  like  a  thunderbolt  upon  the  peaceful  village  of  Peshtigo,  a  terrified 
mother  thrust  her  little  girl  into  an  empty  cistern,  replaced  its  stone  cover 
and  fled  for  safety.  When  the  work  of  destruction  was  complete  and  not 
a  house  or  fence  remained,  she  found  with  difficulty  her  way  back  to 
where  her  home  had  been,  and  with  strong  fear  and  tremblinii:  hope,  ap- 
proached the  cistern  and  found  her  darling  ^afe  !  While  the  flames  dash- 
ed madly  forward,  leaving  only  charred  and  blackened  ruins  in  their  path, 
the  mother  at  a  distance  looked  on  and  wept,  but  her  darling  in  the  cis- 
rn  was  secure  from  harm. 


15 

But  there  are  fiercer  fires  than  that  which  smote  Peshtigo  with  instant 
and  utter  ruin,  and  there  is  jj^reater  securit\^  than  that  which  was  afforded 
by  this  friendly  cistern.  This  rich  legacy  of  unfailing-  guidance  and  com- 
plete security  1  proclaim  to  you  to-day.  And  all  this,  in  doing  only  that 
which  it  is  your  bounden  duty  to  do.  The  promise  is  precious  and  sure 
and  the  precept  is  plain.  In  the  same  hand  we  hold  both  the  precept  and 
the  promise  ;  if  we  relinquish  our  hold  upon  the  precept  the  promise  falls 
to  the  ground.     Can  interest  and  duty  be  more  clearly  pointed  out  ? 

But  plain  and  precious  as  all  this  appears,  it  does  not  escape  the 
assaults  of  criiieism,  nor  the  sneers  of  blind  unbelief.  The  voice  of 
inspiiation,  whose  teachings  we  have  been  presenting,  does  not  avail  to 
silence  the  tongue  of  skepticism.  Reason  and  science  are  invoked  to 
unsettle  confidence  in  the  scriptural  declarations  of  the  divine  purpose  to 
hear  and  answer  pi-nyer,  and  lead  and  protect  His  trusting  children,  as 
the  shepherd  leads  and  shiehls  his  flock.  To  the  "invariable  movements 
of  invariable  forces  "  are  attributed  all  the  phenomena  of  nature,  and  to 
the  "  uniform  workings  of  natural  law  "  are  assigned  the  results  which 
are  believed  to  be  brought  about  in  answer  to  praj'er. 

But  why  should  men  seek  thus  to  exclude  from  the  affairs  of  the  earth 
the  agency  of  its  Author  ?  Are  the  interests  of  society  more  secure  when 
built  upon  the  shifting  sands  of  scientific  theories,  than  when  it  raav  be 
said,  "  underneath  are  the  Everlasting  Arms  ?"  Can  we  walk  the  devious 
pathway  of  life  with  greater  surety  of  success,  guided  only  by  the  ever 
varying  compass  of  human  knowledge  and  desire,  than  when  our  ''  steps 
are  ordered  of  the  Lord  ?" 

But,  not  to  enter  the  inviting  field  of  metaphysical  discussion  which 
here  opens  before  us,  let  us  test  these  theories  in  their  application  to  the 
wants  and  woes  of  human  life.  Let  us  carry  with  us  the  frigid  theory  of 
lifeless,  loveless  law,  and  that  of  the  overshadowing,  felt  presence  of  a 
kind  and  loving  Father,  Who  hears  the  faintest  sigh  of  sorrow,  and  relieves 
the  humblest,  weakest  chdd  that  cries  to  Him  for  help.  With  these  two 
tlieories — the  scientist's  and  the  Christian's — let  us  journey  among  our 
sorrowing  fellows.  If  a  doubting  one  is  here  we  bid  him  come  and  test 
these  theories  by  the  touchstone  of  their  application  to,  and  relief  of,  hu- 
man  wants  and  woes. 

But  listen  !  Ere  we  move,  what  sound  is  that,  so  soft  and  plaintive,  now 
borne  upon  the  evening  breeze  ?  It  is  the  voice  of  a  child,  a  sweet,  inno- 
cent little  girl,  in  the  dim  tvvilight,  kneeling  and  praying.  She  is  the 
only  child  of  a  foreign  missionary.     Father  and  mother  are    both   in    the 


10 

far  off  heathen  land,  exposed  to  a  thousand  dangers.  If  they  are  sad, 
she  can  not,  as  of  yore,  so  fill  their  ears  v\iLh  lier  sweet  prattle  as  to 
dispel  their  sorrow  ;  if  they  are  sick,  she  can  not  bathe  the  tlirobbing 
brow  or  sing  the  heart  to  rest.  This  she  can  not  do,  but  she  can  pray^ 
and  when  with  the  evening  shadows  there  come  fearful  visions  of  fever 
and  agony  and  death,  she  seeks  lier  quiet  chamber,  and  with  weeping 
eyes  and  aching  heart  she  pours  out  into  the  ear  of  her  heavenly  Faiher, 
her  earnest  prayer  for  the  protection  of  "  Papa  and.  mamma  in  India." 
She  believes  in  prater,  and  when  her  yearnings  have  thus  found  expression, 
confident  of  having  been  heard,  confident  of  the  power  of  prayer  to  pre- 
vail witli  God,  she  dries  her  tears  and  sings  a  sweet  song  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving, 

Now.  my  brother,  go  to  her,  if  you  can,  witli  your  chilling  words  of 
natural  law  and  "  invariable  forces."  Te"l  lier,  it"  you  can,  that  there  is 
no  loving  Father  who  heeds  her  cries,  and  who  will  take  care  of  *'  Papa  and 
mamma  in  India."  Tear  down  that  lovely  cit.ulel  of  C(jnfidence  and 
faith  in  which  she  rests  so  swceily,  and  build  about  her  your  castle  of 
solid  ice.  Falsieci  would  be  the  tongue  whicli  would  seek  to  destroy  thit 
simple  child-like  fuitli. 

But  go  with  me  to  the  fireside,  where  parents  and  children  are  wont 
to  gather  Deep  solemnity  rests  upon  every  face,  aud  sad  and  solemn 
words  fall  from  every  one.  For  the  first  time  the  family  circle  is  to  be 
broken.  Ah!  what  solemn  recollections  throng  upon  the  mind,  as  we 
speak  of  the  first  breaking  up  of  the  family  circle  Thus  it  is  here. 
Henry  is  going  to  a  distant  land  to  seek  his  fortune.  They  are  all  pray- 
ing christians,  and  before  the  final  adieu  is  heard  they  agree  to  kneel  together 
once  more  at  the  family  altar  and  offer  earnest  prayer  for  Gud's  protection 
and  guidance  of  the  dearly  loved  wanderer.  This  is  their  only  comfort 
now  and  a  blessed  comfort  it  is.  But  speak  to  them,  ray  brother,  as  they 
are  about  to  fall  before  God  and  invoke  His  favor.  Stop  them,  and,  with 
tearless  eye  and  icy  breath,  speak  to  then)  ol'  "  immutable  forces  and  inevi- 
table results."  Tell  them,  if  you  can,  that  God  will  not  heed  their  prayers, 
nor  give  to  Henry  any  protection  or  guidance,  because  of  their  petitions. 
But  you  do  not  speak.  Cold  theory,  cold  comfort  !  Go  out  upon  the  bil- 
lowy deep,  when  "  He  raiseth  the  stormy  wind  which  liftetli  up  the  waves 
thereof,  when  they  mount  up  to  the  heavens  and  go  dowu  again,  to  the 
depths  and  are  at  their  wits  end.  Then  they  cry  unto  the  I^ord  and  He 
bringeth  them  out  of  their  trouble."  Tell  them  now  of  the  folly  of 
prayer,  and  amid  the  roar  and  tumult  of  the  storm  whisper  in    their  ears 


about  inv^ariable  results  aud  inflexible  law.  Go  where  the  mother  weeps 
by  the  cot  of  her  first  born.  Hear  her  cries  as  she  witnesses  the  contor- 
tions and  spasms  of  congestion,  or  hears  the  senseless  gibberish  of  deli- 
rium. As  with  tearful  eyes  and  sjnnpathizing  heart  I  stoop  and  whisper 
in  her  ear  the  sweet  word  Jesus,  as  I  speak  of  the  "  Friend  that's  ev'er 
near,"  and  bid  her  "  cast  all  her  care  upon  him,  for  he  careth  for  her,"  do 
you,  my  brother,  speak  whntever  word.s  of  comfort  you  can  gather  from 
the  heartless  workings  of  natural  law.  Bid  her  look  to  that,  and  tru!<t. 
But,  once  more,  go  with  me  to  the  open  grave  where  fond  affection  lin- 
gers aud  weeps.  Hear  the  sad  sound  of  the  clods  of  the  valley  as  they 
fall  upon  the  cofiin  lid.  Look  down  into  the  dark  depths,  and  then  with 
the  telescope  of  science  look  out  into  the  dark  labyrinth  beyond.  Sweep 
up  and  down  the  limitless  shore,  and  tell  me,  oh  tell  me  truly,  what  visions 
are  disclosed,  what  beauties  are  revealed,  what  splendors  are  unfolded.  Is 
not  all  darkness  and  despair  f  Does  one  ray  of  light  or  hope  gleam  upon 
that  trackless  void  ?  Comes  there  from  that  echoless  shore  one  note  of  joy, 
one  song  of  gladness  ?  With  this  telescope  of  science,  search  with  pa- 
tient industry  the  profouudest  depths  of  this  dark  abyss,  and  without  the 
view  of  one  cheering  ray  of  comfort,  the  mind  returns  to  the  loved  form 
beneath  the  cofBn  lid 

Now  let  Faith  born  of  Hope  arise,  and  by  the  aid  of  revelation  gaze 
out  into  eternity.  Oh  !  entrancing  beauty  and  loveliness  The  splendors 
of  immortality  unfold  before  the  enraptured  eye,  and  God,  aud  Christ, 
and  heaven  appear  in  radiance  and  glory. 

The  burdened  soul  now  rises  up  to  God.  The  darkness  and  dampness 
of  the  grave  is  forgotten,  sorrow  for  the  dead  is  softened  into  resignatio  i, 
and  peace,  sweet  peace,  fills  the  soul,  which  now  communes  with  God. 
Such  is  philosophy,  such  religion,  such  is  scientific  skepticism,  such  is  chris- 
tian love  and  faith. 

Tlius  tested  by  their  application  to  the  wants  and  woes  of  human  life, 
these  two  theories  appear  in  their  true  characters.     Thus  tested,  the    icy 
theory  of  skepticism  appears  in  a  character  against  which    the   conscious' 
wants  and  felt  sorrows  of  mankind  cry  out  in  condemnation. 

These  are  not  the  staid  words  of  metaphysical  speculation  which  are 
usually,  and  with  entire  propriety,  employed  upon  such  occasions.  They 
are  the  unfailing  declarations  of  divine  truth,  and  the  warm  words  of 
tenderness  and  love.  These  hundreds  of  miles  have  been  passed  to  de- 
liver to  you  this  message.  It  is  my  first  and  doubtless  my  last  appeal  to 
you.     As  I  began,  so  would  I  close,  with  an    earnest,  anxious    look    into 


18 

future.  01),  what  will  your  future  bj  ?  Is  the  great  problem  solved? 
No  light  shines  into  the  darkness  before  us,  but  from  its  depth  a  voice  is 
heard  to  say  :  (Jor  ix  :  23,24.)  "Thus  saith  tlie  Lord,  let  not  the 
wise  man  glory  in  his  wisdom,  neither  let  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his 
might,  let  not  the  rich  man  glorj^  in  his  riches,  but  let  him  that  glorieth, 
glory  in  this,  that  he  understandeth  and  knoweth  Me,  that  I  am  the 
Lord  which  exercise  loving  kindness,  judgement  and  righteousness  in  the 
earth,  for  in  these   things   I   delight,  saith  the  Lord." 


BX9878.9.C46 

Divine  guidance  :  the  baccalaureate 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00047  3431 


